WASHINGTON, DC -- Friends of the Earth President Erich Pica had this statement in response to the EPA's finding that greenhouse gases threaten public health and the environment:

"The Obama administration's decision to comply with the Clean Air Act and move forward with a process that can lead to large reductions in greenhouse gas pollution is a major step forward in the fight to stabilize the climate.

"The timing of this finding is important, coinciding with the first day of crucial international climate negotiations in Copenhagen. What the finding demonstrates is that the Obama administration has the tools it needs to agree to, and implement, a strong and just international agreement; it does not need approval from a polluter-friendly Congress in order to act.

"There are some members of Congress who wish to use climate legislation to gut the Clean Air Act. Let's be clear: the Clean Air Act is a proven tool to successfully control air pollution. Friends of the Earth will vehemently oppose any congressional efforts to weaken this law and tie the hands of the Obama administration."

###

Friends of the Earth and our network of grassroots groups in 77 countries fight to create a more healthy, just world. We're progressive environmental advocates who pull no punches and speak sometimes uncomfortable truths to power. Our current campaigns focus on clean energy and solutions to global warming, protecting people from toxic and new, potentially harmful technologies, and promoting smarter, low-pollution transportation alternatives.